back talk
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Impudent or insolent reply: Disrespectful or rude speech directed back at someone in authority, often in a defiant manner.
Usage
"Back talk" is used as a non-count noun to describe the act of speaking rudely to someone, especially a parent, teacher, or supervisor, after being criticized or given an instruction. It implies a lack of respect and defiance.
Examples
- Noun:
- The teacher will not tolerate any back talk in her classroom.
- He got in trouble for his constant back talk to the coach.
Advanced Usage
- "to give (someone) back talk": To speak insolently to a specific person.
- If you give your mother any more back talk, you'll be grounded.
Variants and Related Words
- Backtalk (noun): A common alternative spelling of "back talk".
- His backtalk earned him a detention.
Synonyms
- Sass: Impudent, lively talk; cheek.
- Lip: Insolent talk.
- Mouth: Impudent or disrespectful speech.
- Insolence: The quality of being insultingly disrespectful.
Related Idioms
- Don't give me any...: A stern warning phrase used to stop someone's impudent speech before it starts. It is commonly completed with words like "back talk," "sass," or "lip."
- Don't give me any back talk; just do as you're told.
Noun
- an impudent or insolent rejoinder
- don't give me any of your sass